Kyle Stanley takes 2nd at John Deere, will play British Open

Kyle Stanley fired a five under par 66 on Sunday and finished second at the John Deere Classic in Silvis, IL on Sunday. By virtue of the second place finish, Stanley qualifies for next week’s British Open.

Stanley trailed by five shots at one point on Sunday, then made birdies on the 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th and 15th holes and actually had a two shot lead at 22 under par. But, Stanley bogeyed the final hole and Steve Stricker made birdie on his last two holes to win by one shot. Stricker made a 20 foot putt from off the green to win the tournament.

Stanley finished with rounds of 65-67-65-66 in recording his score of 21 under par 263. He was the only player in the field to shoot 67 or better in every round, yet he did not win the tournament. The second place finish was the best of his career on the PGA Tour. His previous best was a 12th place at the Arnold Palmer Invitational in March.

Three other former Tigers made the cut at the John Deere. Charles Warren had a season best 18th finish with a 272 score, while Ben Martin was 38th with a 275 total. D.J. Trahan had a 65 in the final round and finished 45th at 276.

Stanley’s finish gives Clemson three former players at next week’s British Open at Royal St. George’s. He will be joined by Lucas Glover and Jonathan Byrd.